A - Z topics

The identification and management of risks is a key concept of good health and safety management. The Health and Safety Act (HSWA) 2015 places a duty to eliminate or minimise the risks to workers so far as is reasonably practical, and effective risk management supports this process, as is effective recording of the events that do, or could potentially, cause harm to workers.

In December 2019 the Road to Zero: NZ’s road safety strategy 2020-2030 was launched, Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is the lead agency supporting the coordination and implementation of work-related road safety to the strategy. The Road to Zero Strategy explicitly states that businesses and organisations all have clear obligations for work-related road safety which covers all work-related activity in New Zealand.

As Public Service agencies do not have independent boards, establishing a governance framework for health and safety provides chief executives and other officers with a mechanism to meet their accountabilities and duties.

Haumaru Tāngata is a Māori-centered approach that responds to the overrepresentation of Māori within workplace injury and mortality statistic.
Focusing on Māori workers, Māori businesses and health and safety representatives to design a bespoke framework to reduce workplace injury and fatalities.

Mentally healthy work or psychological health and safety is a key focus for the Government Health and Safety Lead. In development of the GHSL four year plan, mental health was identified as a key risk area across the sector.

Government agencies have multiple, complex relationships with other Businesses or Undertakings. Agencies have an ability to influence wider improvement of health and safety in New Zealand through supply chain leadership with the significant amount of procurement of goods and services they collectively undertake. To do this well, they need to ensure they understand how to meet their obligations of Overlapping Duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The GHSL has developed a number of resources on key areas relating to physical security for workers and workplaces, including harassment and stalking, lockdowns, family violence, service design, and physical security fit-out. For more information not covered in these guides, please see the Protective Security Requirements website.

Having a physically well workforce is good for both workers and for business as it enhances productivity, performance, and engagement. This space is designed to provide tools and resources that can guide agencies and departments on approaches they could take to promote good physical wellness and reduce the risk of preventable lifestyle-related conditions.